Import Rules, Regulations, Policies & Procedures
To Import Japan Used Cars In UK

Check all the key points related to import rules, regulations, policies, documentations, duties and taxes, inspections, restrictions, shipping ports, etc. which you should keep in mind while importing Used Cars from Japan to UK

Used Car Import Rules & Regulations in United Kingdom

Right Hand Drive Vehicles

UK is Right Hand Drive country and can import any steering Left hand Drive or Right Hand Drive.

Inspection

Japanese used cars must pass the Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) or Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) Test 

in order to ensure that the vehicle meets safety standards when used on public roads.
To check vehicle’s road-worthiness, compulsory inspection MOT (Ministry Of Transport) is carried out by a Government approved testing center. Every year, vehicles go through MOT test after third year since the vehicle first registration

Used Cars Import Duties And Taxes In United Kingdom

Duty

  • 10% on used cars
  • 22% on pick-up and commercial vehicles

VAT

  • The standard VAT rate which is currently 19%.
  • Ownership tax on passenger cars and commercial vehicles based on CO2 emission and weight and axles respectively.

Conditions When Importer Does Not Have To Pay Duty or VAT

Moving Back To The UK

  • The importer has had his home outside the UK for at-least a year.
  • The vehicle must be possessed and used by the importer for at-least 6 months before it is imported.
  • Taxes or duty must be payed by the importer while buying the vehicle.

  • The vehicle must be use for personal work for at-least a year after it is imported.

Importing Previously Exported Vehicle

  • Vehicle must be exported within last 3 years only.
  • Vehicle must not be tampered except necessary repairing.

Non-EU Registered Vehicles

  • The importer should be a non-EU resident.
  • The importer should not sell, lend the vehicle in EU.
  • Use it for personal use only and re-export it after 6 months.

For Registering a Used Car in UK

Test on Vehicles Depending on Their Age

  • Vehicles below 3 years old should pass SVA/ESVA Test only.
  • Vehicles between 3 years and 10 years should pass SVA/ESVA Test along with MOT Test.
  • Vehicles with age more than 10 years should pass MOT Test only.

To register a used vehicle fill the V55/5 form and send it along with the following documents to DVLA:

  • Documents to confirm name such as birth certificate, driving license, passport.
  • Documents to confirm address such as Utility bill, Council tax bill.
  • Motor insurance from a British company.
  • Cost of vehicle tax.
  • Vehicle registration fee.
  • Deregistration Certificate.
  • MOT certificate.
  • Proof of customs clearance.
  • SVA/IVA as vehicle imported from outside the EU.

Used Cars Import Documentation in United Kingdom

  • Bill of Lading (BOL)
  • Purchasing Invoice from the supplier to show the owner of the vehicle.
  • Deregistration Certificate.
  • Original Identification proof.
  • Trader’s Unique Reference Number (TURN) for Commercial Importers.
  • Driving licence or original document confirming name;
  • Utility bill or other original document to confirm address.
  • Motor insurance from a British company,
  • Original Export Certificate.
  • Translated Export Certificate.
  • Cost of vehicle tax